Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor And Staffing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Teachers' association warns of high caseloads and urges protection of special education amid budget talks
Summary
The Gresham-Barlow Education Association told the board that many special-education caseloads and therapist caseloads are high, that staff work unpaid hours, and asked the board to avoid cuts to special education when considering reductions.
Kathryn Unger, speaking on behalf of the Gresham-Barlow Education Association, thanked volunteers and urged the board to avoid staffing reductions in special education as the district plans its 2026–27 budget.
Unger said many resource-room teachers have caseloads "in the 30s-40s," and that occupational therapists are carrying caseloads "over 100," which staff said exceeds recommended levels and reduces service quality. She also summarized results of an association survey showing many teachers do not feel they have adequate materials and work unpaid hours outside contract time, with some fearing they may have to leave the profession.
Board members acknowledged the concerns and said they will consider them during the budget-development process; the association's remarks preceded the board's authorization of RIF authority later in the meeting.
